Wisconsin flood insurance and flood history
From FEMA's flood insurance and disaster data · Updated 2026-10-08
FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) data lists 9,522 flood insurance claims in Wisconsin since 1978. The NFIP paid $143.2 million on them (building, contents and Increased Cost of Compliance payments, in the dollars of the year paid).
The year with the most claims was 2008, with 1,548, mostly from Storm.
In the last ten years (2017–2026) there were 2,097 claims, and the average paid claim was $37,364.
29% of the claims with a recorded flood zone came from buildings outside FEMA's high-risk zones (rated zones B, C and X).
About 0.5% of homes in Wisconsin had an NFIP flood policy in FEMA's latest count (8,929 of 1,939,288 residential buildings). In the high-risk flood zones (Special Flood Hazard Areas), it was 19% (5,219 of 27,192).
Since 2000, FEMA has made 20 flood-related disaster declarations covering parts of Wisconsin. The most recent was DR-4923-WI (Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding), declared June 30, 2026.
Flood insurance claims in Wisconsin by year
Show as a table
| Year | Claims | Paid |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 226 | $6.3 million |
| 2025 | 406 | $17.2 million |
| 2024 | 35 | $834,383 |
| 2023 | 59 | $961,435 |
| 2022 | 31 | $342,490 |
| 2021 | 33 | $216,510 |
| 2020 | 174 | $3.3 million |
| 2019 | 497 | $8.9 million |
| 2018 | 447 | $19.8 million |
| 2017 | 189 | $5.6 million |
| 2016 | 99 | $1.9 million |
| 2015 | 40 | $189,723 |
| 2014 | 65 | $540,451 |
| 2013 | 127 | $1.2 million |
| 2012 | 27 | $69,879 |
| 2011 | 104 | $717,961 |
| 2010 | 511 | $7.4 million |
| 2009 | 85 | $459,829 |
| 2008 | 1,548 | $34.7 million |
| 2007 | 184 | $3.6 million |
| 2006 | 27 | $53,334 |
| 2005 | 16 | $65,141 |
| 2004 | 261 | $1.5 million |
| 2003 | 22 | $764,484 |
| 2002 | 47 | $562,652 |
| 2001 | 282 | $2.5 million |
| 2000 | 152 | $512,462 |
| 1999 | 73 | $255,039 |
| 1998 | 793 | $7.4 million |
| 1997 | 819 | $8.2 million |
| 1996 | 119 | $267,944 |
| 1995 | 24 | $378,309 |
| 1994 | 42 | $318,067 |
| 1993 | 341 | $2.1 million |
| 1992 | 36 | $108,640 |
| 1991 | 14 | $4,548 |
| 1990 | 185 | $857,346 |
| 1989 | 58 | $159,159 |
| 1988 | 8 | $11,564 |
| 1987 | 16 | $11,628 |
| 1986 | 413 | $1.1 million |
| 1985 | 65 | $276,312 |
| 1984 | 38 | $53,519 |
| 1983 | 54 | $123,355 |
| 1982 | 97 | $96,389 |
| 1981 | 52 | $72,414 |
| 1980 | 104 | $241,393 |
| 1979 | 335 | $928,360 |
| 1978 | 142 | $194,788 |
Biggest flood events by NFIP payments
The flood events FEMA's claims data names most often for Wisconsin, ranked by what the NFIP paid. FEMA names events in its claims records; claims without an event name aren't included here.
| Event | Year | Claims | Paid |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-08-MilwaukeeMetro-Flood | 2025 | 394 | $17.1 million |
| Storm | 2008 | 715 | $15.2 million |
| Flooding | 1998 | 722 | $7.2 million |
| Flooding | 1997 | 701 | $7.0 million |
| March 2019 Midwest Flooding | 2019 | 283 | $6.3 million |
| 2026-04-Flooding | 2026 | 208 | $6.2 million |
| Severe flooding | 2001 | 200 | $2.2 million |
| Flooding | 2003 | 18 | $665,155 |
| Flooding | 1993 | 118 | $490,985 |
| Flooding | 2002 | 34 | $333,345 |
What flood insurance costs in Wisconsin
On June 30, 2026, 10,813 NFIP flood insurance policies were in force in Wisconsin. For the 7,735 single-family homes among them, the typical (median) yearly cost was about $960; the average was $1,120.
| Rated flood zone | Policies | Typical yearly cost, single-family home | Average cost | Average building coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High-risk zones (A and V) | 6,338 | $1,060 | $1,280 | $171,000 |
| Moderate- and low-risk zones (B, C and X) | 4,474 | $810 | $890 | $217,000 |
Cost here is what FEMA's data lists as the policy cost: the premium plus the reserve fund assessment, federal policy fee and HFIAA surcharge. It covers single-family homes only (not condos, apartments or businesses), with costs rounded to the nearest $10 and shown only where at least 20 homes back the figure. Your own price depends on your building and the coverage you choose; see how flood insurance is priced. Private flood insurance isn't included.
Policies and average cost by exact flood zone
Flood history by county
Every Wisconsin county in FEMA's data, sorted by number of NFIP claims since 1978. "Insured" is the share of homes with an NFIP policy; "typical NFIP cost" is the median yearly cost for single-family homes.
| County | Claims | Paid | Insured | Typical NFIP cost | Flood declarations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee County | 2,435 | $29.0 million | 0.5% | $990 | 7 |
| Fond du Lac County | 523 | $7.4 million | 1.1% | $690 | 3 |
| Jefferson County | 503 | $11.0 million | 0.5% | $1,340 | 4 |
| Waukesha County | 462 | $9.4 million | 0.6% | $740 | 5 |
| Brown County | 383 | $2.3 million | 0.6% | $890 | 2 |
| Ozaukee County | 352 | $3.9 million | 1.5% | $1,060 | 3 |
| Kenosha County | 334 | $5.2 million | 0.3% | $760 | 6 |
| Dane County | 333 | $8.7 million | 0.4% | $760 | 5 |
| Rock County | 305 | $4.4 million | 0.4% | $1,590 | 4 |
| Crawford County | 235 | $4.8 million | 1.0% | $940 | 9 |
| La Crosse County | 215 | $1.2 million | 1.2% | $890 | 8 |
| Winnebago County | 215 | $4.0 million | 0.8% | $890 | 4 |
| Sauk County | 198 | $7.2 million | 0.5% | $1,210 | 6 |
| Columbia County | 179 | $2.5 million | 0.6% | $1,310 | 4 |
| Racine County | 179 | $2.6 million | 0.5% | $1,060 | 6 |
| Vernon County | 178 | $4.3 million | 0.3% | $1,210 | 11 |
| Waupaca County | 145 | $2.4 million | 0.7% | $860 | 5 |
| Trempealeau County | 141 | $2.6 million | 0.6% | $1,440 | 4 |
| Oconto County | 132 | $1.0 million | 0.5% | $940 | 1 |
| Pierce County | 126 | $2.8 million | 0.4% | $1,110 | 1 |
| Juneau County | 114 | $4.3 million | 0.5% | $1,210 | 8 |
| Monroe County | 97 | $1.3 million | 0.6% | $1,160 | 7 |
| Richland County | 95 | $1.2 million | 0.3% | n/a | 8 |
| Outagamie County | 86 | $2.0 million | 0.3% | $660 | 4 |
| Grant County | 85 | $624,067 | 0.4% | $1,210 | 8 |
| Washington County | 78 | $1.2 million | 0.6% | $840 | 4 |
| Pepin County | 75 | $659,336 | 0.6% | n/a | 1 |
| St. Croix County | 74 | $1.5 million | 0.4% | $1,060 | 3 |
| Marathon County | 69 | $359,301 | 0.4% | $1,260 | 5 |
| Door County | 65 | $597,503 | 0.7% | $810 | 0 |
| Lafayette County | 61 | $562,598 | 0.3% | n/a | 4 |
| Eau Claire County | 58 | $503,765 | 0.2% | $1,110 | 1 |
| Green Lake County | 53 | $470,717 | 0.4% | $1,310 | 3 |
| Sheboygan County | 52 | $551,480 | 0.3% | $940 | 2 |
| Wood County | 48 | $726,927 | 0.4% | $1,210 | 6 |
| Chippewa County | 46 | $336,747 | 0.4% | $1,410 | 4 |
| Dodge County | 46 | $204,545 | 0.3% | $910 | 3 |
| Walworth County | 46 | $646,644 | 0.3% | $940 | 3 |
| Burnett County | 36 | $279,528 | 0.4% | $1,060 | 5 |
| Green County | 36 | $291,040 | 0.3% | $1,040 | 4 |
| Clark County | 35 | $629,796 | 0.1% | n/a | 8 |
| Manitowoc County | 35 | $481,123 | 0.2% | $890 | 2 |
| Marquette County | 33 | $431,853 | 0.5% | $960 | 3 |
| Adams County | 32 | $89,665 | 0.2% | $1,260 | 7 |
| Buffalo County | 29 | $328,213 | 0.7% | $810 | 4 |
| Jackson County | 29 | $447,740 | 0.4% | $1,360 | 7 |
| Iowa County | 25 | $215,665 | 0.2% | n/a | 7 |
| Calumet County | 24 | $61,949 | 0.3% | $690 | 4 |
| Washburn County | 24 | $852,317 | 0.4% | $790 | 4 |
| Waushara County | 24 | $225,461 | 0.4% | $890 | 3 |
| Marinette County | 22 | $234,457 | 0.3% | $990 | 2 |
| Portage County | 22 | $166,483 | 0.2% | $1,040 | 6 |
| Douglas County | 21 | $717,943 | 0.3% | $840 | 4 |
| Kewaunee County | 20 | $134,510 | 0.3% | $1,010 | 1 |
| Langlade County | 17 | $53,368 | 0.4% | $840 | 2 |
| Bayfield County | 16 | $137,019 | 0.2% | n/a | 6 |
| Polk County | 15 | $104,731 | 0.2% | $960 | 4 |
| Shawano County | 12 | $293,642 | 0.2% | $1,240 | 3 |
| Ashland County | 11 | $489,259 | 0.2% | n/a | 6 |
| Barron County | 10 | $116,138 | 0.2% | $1,140 | 4 |
| Rusk County | 10 | $290,058 | 0.2% | n/a | 4 |
| Dunn County | 9 | $52,516 | 0.3% | $1,390 | 3 |
| Sawyer County | 8 | $69,171 | 0.4% | $1,110 | 3 |
| Price County | 6 | $96,559 | 0.2% | $910 | 1 |
| Oneida County | 4 | $14,773 | 0.1% | $960 | 2 |
| Forest County | 3 | $33,259 | 0.1% | n/a | 2 |
| Lincoln County | 3 | $16,929 | 0.2% | $1,260 | 1 |
| Iron County | 2 | $10,347 | 0.4% | n/a | 5 |
| Florence County | 1 | $4,849 | 0.2% | n/a | 1 |
| Menominee County | 0 | $0 | 0.0% | n/a | 1 |
| Taylor County | 0 | $0 | 0.1% | n/a | 4 |
| Vilas County | 0 | $0 | 0.1% | n/a | 0 |
Flood-related FEMA disaster declarations in Wisconsin
Declarations since 2000 that FEMA lists as involving flooding. "Help for individuals" means FEMA's Individual Assistance was approved for at least part of the area.
| Declaration | Declared | Event | Help for individuals |
|---|---|---|---|
| DR-4923-WI | Jun 30, 2026 | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding | Yes |
| DR-4892-WI | Sep 11, 2025 | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Flooding, and Mudslides | Yes |
| DR-4477-WI | Mar 11, 2020 | Severe Winter Storm and Flooding | No |
| DR-4459-WI | Aug 27, 2019 | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding | No |
| DR-4402-WI | Oct 18, 2018 | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, Flooding, and Landslides | Yes |
| DR-4383-WI | Aug 10, 2018 | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding | No |
| DR-4343-WI | Oct 7, 2017 | Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Flooding, Landslides, and Mud | No |
| DR-4288-WI | Oct 20, 2016 | Severe Storms, Flooding, and Mudslides | No |
| DR-4276-WI | Aug 9, 2016 | Severe Storms and Flooding | No |
| DR-4141-WI | Aug 8, 2013 | Severe Storms, Flooding, and Mudslides | No |
| DR-4076-WI | Aug 2, 2012 | Severe Storms and Flooding | No |
| DR-1944-WI | Oct 21, 2010 | Severe Storms and Flooding | No |
| DR-1933-WI | Aug 11, 2010 | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding | Yes |
| DR-1768-WI | Jun 14, 2008 | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding | Yes |
| DR-1719-WI | Aug 26, 2007 | Severe Storms and Flooding | Yes |
| DR-1526-WI | Jun 18, 2004 | Severe Storms and Flooding | Yes |
| DR-1432-WI | Sep 10, 2002 | Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding | Yes |
| DR-1429-WI | Jul 19, 2002 | Severe Storms and Flooding | No |
| DR-1369-WI | May 11, 2001 | Flooding, Severe Storms and Tornadoes | Yes |
| DR-1332-WI | Jun 24, 2000 | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding | Yes |
What to do with this
A county's history doesn't tell you your own building's risk. To see your property's flood zone, use FEMA's flood map lookup. To weigh coverage, start with do I need flood insurance? and what flood insurance costs.
Where these numbers come from
All figures on this page are calculated from FEMA's public OpenFEMA datasets:
- NFIP Redacted Claims (v3) (FEMA (OpenFEMA)): NFIP claims since 1978, downloaded 2026-10-08. Dollar amounts are what the NFIP paid, not adjusted for inflation. Claims filed under private flood insurance aren't included.
- NFIP Residential Penetration Rates (v1) (FEMA (OpenFEMA)): NFIP residential policy contracts in force (as of August 3, 2026) divided by FEMA's count of residential buildings from the National Structure Inventory. FEMA notes that inventory is incomplete in some counties, which can inflate the rate. Private flood policies aren't counted.
- NFIP Redacted Policies (v3) (FEMA (OpenFEMA)): NFIP policies in force on June 30, 2026 (a policy counts if its term covers that date and it wasn't cancelled), downloaded 2026-10-08. Policy counts are FEMA's insured units, so a condominium association policy counts each unit. Costs are FEMA's "policy cost" (premium plus reserve fund assessment, federal policy fee and HFIAA surcharge) for single-family homes only. Policies FEMA's data doesn't place in a county count toward the state only.
- Disaster Declarations Summaries (v2) (FEMA (OpenFEMA)): disaster declarations, downloaded 2026-10-08. We count a declaration as flood-related when FEMA lists flooding (or a dam or levee break) as its incident type or a designated incident type, or the declaration's title mentions flooding.
FEMA's redacted claims data doesn't identify properties, and FEMA notes that some records lack a county or flood zone. See how we use the data.